Practical Defensive Shotgun 1 - Core Skills

This course is a developmental skills block focused on the practical use of the defensive shotgun in personal defense and professional contexts.

Practical Defensive Shotgun 1 builds upon foundational shotgun knowledge and emphasizes efficient manipulation, recoil management, ammunition management, and realistic engagement distances. Students will learn how to deploy the shotgun effectively while balancing power, accountability, and control.

Instruction is presented using a crawl, walk, run approach and a clear building-block methodology. This course functions as a standalone training day and also serves as the foundation for future shotgun skill development.

Instructional Emphasis

Points of instruction include:

• Benefits and limitations of the shotgun for personal and home defense

• Shotgun nomenclature and safe manipulation

• Practical storage considerations for readiness in the home or vehicle (where lawful)

• Use of ready and carry positions

• Tactical sling use (two-point quick-adjust slings preferred)

• Reloading techniques for the shotgun (speed and tactical methods)

• Recoil mitigation and short-stock techniques

• Practical engagement distances with common defensive loads

• Ammunition selection considerations

• Critical decision-making in defensive shotgun employment

• Individual developmental focus based on student skill level

The following topics may be included as time permits:

• Movement, use of cover, and shooting while moving

Scope & Expectations

This is an applied defensive shotgun course conducted at a working pace with moderate physical demand.

The course emphasizes realistic employment of the shotgun rather than competition techniques or range-only drills. Students should expect to leave with a clearer understanding of what the shotgun does well, where it is limited, and how to manage it safely and effectively under realistic conditions.

Training Format & Safety

Live-fire training conducted on an outdoor range.

All safety rules and instructor directions must be followed.Students who are unable to operate safely will be removed from the course.

Equipment Requirements

Shotgun

• Modern shotgun (pump-action or semi-automatic)

• Barrel length 21 inches or shorter, cylinder bore preferred

• Minimum 5 shell capacity preferred

• Loaner shotguns may be available upon request

• Sighting systems may include:

  • Bead sights

  • Rifle sights

  • Ghost ring sights

  • Red dot optic

• Two-point sling preferred

  • Some carry positions require a sling; students without one will not be able to perform those repetitions

Sidearm (Handgun)

• Modern defensive handgun

• Outside the Waistband (OWB) holster

  • Holster must fully cover the trigger guard

  • Holster must securely retain the handgun during normal movement

  • Friction-fit holsters (retention level 0) are acceptable

  • Active retention holsters (Safariland-style Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3) are permitted

• Minimum three handgun magazines

• Ability to carry at least two spare magazines on the belt

  • Handguns with magazine capacities under 10 rounds will require additional magazines

• Sig Sauer P320 pistols and their variants are not permitted for use in PCA LLC live-fire courses

  • A no-charge loaner handgun and necessary accessories will be provided upon request

  • Students are responsible for supplying appropriate ammunition

Ammunition

• Factory-produced training ammunition matching firearm caliber

Shotgun:

• Approximately 150 rounds of No. 4 or 5 lead shot

• 25 rounds of 00 buckshot

• Optional: 5 rounds of FliteControl 00 buck

• 10 slugs

No steel shot or penetrating / sabot-style slugs permitted

Handgun:

• Approximately 50 rounds

Load-Bearing Equipment

• Ability to carry 25 or more shotgun shells on your person

  • Belt-mounted shell carriers or dump pouch recommended

Additional Equipment

• Eye protection

• Ear protection (electronic hearing protection recommended)

• Seasonally appropriate clothing suitable for outdoor activity

• Closed-toe shoes or boots

• Baseball-style cap or hat

• Water, sports drinks, and snacks

Please note that the range facility does not have running water or improved facilities.

Prerequisites

Foundational knowledge and understanding of the operation of your defensive shotgun is required.

Instructor approval may be granted based on prior training or experience.

Eligibility

Eligibility includes:

• Completion of a professionally instructed firearms application course

• Or instructor approval based on equivalent training or experience

If you have questions regarding suitability, contact us prior to registration.

Students who are unable to operate safely will be removed from the course.

Administrative

• Fulfillment of prerequisites or instructor approval required

• Must be a U.S. citizen legally eligible to receive instruction

• Government-issued photo identification required

• Signed waiver required for participation